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Credit Card Equipment — Choosing the Right One for Your Business

Before you start accepting credit card payments, you need to decide which of the many available types of processing equipment best suits your business. TransFirst® helps you sort through your options. Learn more by watching this informative video.

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When you decide to accept credit cards, one of the first important decisions you’ll make is to choose the type of processing equipment that works best for your business. There are more choices than ever — and that’s good news for businesspeople like you.

Do you own a brick-and-mortar business? That’s an operation where your customers come to you and physically purchase products or pay for services right there. If so, your best choice is a point-of-sale terminal. Customers can swipe their cards and pay on the spot. You can choose wired models that stay on the counter — an excellent choice for traditional retail stores — or you may prefer a wireless model that lets you swipe the customer’s card away from your counter — a good choice for restaurants or stores where lines tend to build quickly. Both options offer different sizes and some come complete with a receipt printer.

What if you do business with customers by mail or phone? Then you’ll want to use a virtual terminal. This is a computer-based application that lets you process a customer’s purchase by entering their card number yourself and sending it to your processor; you can also keep track of purchases and customize reports about your card business. Virtual terminals work through the Internet and can generally be accessed through any web-connected device. If you do business online, you’ll also need a payment gateway. This application works with your business website and lets customers shop, check out and confirm their purchases, with card information sent directly through the virtual terminal to your processor. Many virtual terminals include built-in payment gateways.

If you do business off-site, you’ll want to use a mobile payment app. These apps let you use a smart phone or tablet to process payments on the go. They’re perfect for contractors, caterers, field management professionals and other business owners who take business directly to their customers. You can hand-key the card information or use an attachable device that lets you swipe the card and possibly get lower processing rates.

Many business owners find that a combination of all these types of equipment offer the most convenient and economical solutions. But whatever you choose, the best decision you can make is to work with a payment processor that offers you choices, support and all the information you need. Then you can be confident that the equipment you decide to use will help you save money and grow your business.

200,000

Richard Hari in your Colorado credit card customer service operation is one the best people I've ever dealt with in any type of business. I had a problem with credit card processing for my very, very small business. I was told I would get a call in two business days. Richard called in about 20 minutes. He was patient and took time to walk me through the process. Great job and a credit to TransFirst.

- Online Retailer | Bruceton Mills, WV

Two key things here. #1 – This program has saved me hundreds of dollars a year, and #2 – the service. The last time I called my question was answered in one simple phone call. We didn't take credit cards for a long time due to the expense ... I am so glad I took the time to listen when you came in because this is so much better.

- Restaurant Owner | Palm Bay, FL

TransFirst has done everything they said they would do, and they do it every month with service and savings. We are saving very big dollars each month, so we are very happy with the service.

- Police Benevolent Association | McDonough, GA

I'm writing to thank you for the superb customer support you've offered us in the setting up of our account. Your prompt replies to my questions, even through your illness, speaks very well of your organization and your own sense of responsibility. I would ask you to kindly forward this note to your supervisor, because I want him/her to appreciate your 'above and beyond' approach to your clients.

- Vision Care Provider | Windham, VT

I am extremely happy with TransFirst! The Transaction Express saves me hours a week with the ease of transactions and the up-to-date reporting. The service team is knowledgeable and eager to help. The best part, though, is the savings. Patrick made it so easy to switch merchant accounts. I wish I would have done it years ago!